Monday, August 31, 2015

A civil, social and legal institution under which two consenting adults establish a life-long relationship based on love and commitment.

Scott Wilson and Brandon Lawrence want what all their friends have – marriage, kids, and a dream kitchen in the biggest house they can afford.

The only thing stopping them – the state of Florida.

But sweeping change is on the horizon, and their story only delivers fairytale endings and happily ever afters. What the world can learn from Scott and Brandon’s story is that living in harmony is always better than living with hostility. That acceptance of people’s differences is always easier than dissension, and that love always triumphs over hate.

#Lovewins

Chapter Two – Marry Me

“I love you,” I whisper feeling tears wanting to escape my eyes. “I’m so jealous of all of them, and I feel like the world’s worst friend because I’m thinking that way. I love Emma to death, and I’m so happy she found Luke and has a second chance at love. But with Shane and Katie expecting a baby and the romance that Mia and Isaac think they’re hiding from the world, I just feel cheated. When do we get our happily ever after?” As soon as it’s all out, I feel like shit for saying anything. Gay marriage is legal in almost half the country now, but still not here. My state still bans me from legally binding my life with Brandon. I want marriage and kids and a mortgage we can’t afford. I’m a traditionalist . . . but I’m gay. And in Florida that means I can’t marry the love of my life.

“Scott,” he pauses covering my lips with his. One long kiss that invades my brain completely chases away my sour mood. “I’m already living my happily ever after with you. We’ve made a life together, a perfect life. But I’ll jump a plane to Massachusetts tomorrow if that’s what it takes to make you happy. In my heart, we’re already joined forever. I love you.”

I’m so caught up in the moment, I have no thoughts other than him . . . me . . . marriage. The moment is perfect. Grabbing Brandon’s hand I pull him with me as I race to the water’s edge. The sun has set, but the night sky is crystal clear and blanketed with twinkling lights from thousands of stars. The moon is full and blends shadows with the darkness that creates a mood so rich with romance I truly want to get married right here – right now. I don’t care that Sierra is waiting for me in the Fiesta Rentals parking lot, wondering if I shanghaied the picnic table and 100 tiki torches. I don’t care that I’m about to lower to one knee in my very new and very expensive Tommy Bahama linen pants. The salty ocean water is surely going to destroy my new Sperrys, but I don’t care. I don’t care that Brandon is trying to hurry me along. When did he become the responsible guy and we transition roles? All I know is that I want that promise. His promise of forever. When I kneel in front of him, he smiles large and laughs as I express momentary concern over the demise of my new linen pants and brand new Sperrys.

“Brandon Lawrence, I love you. And I want to make all your dreams come true. I want marriage and kids and a dream kitchen in the biggest house we can afford. As soon as it’s legal in Florida, will you marry me?”

“Do you realize what you’ve just done to your shoes, Scott? I mean, we’re wearing brand new $160 Sperrys, man!” Dropping to the sand with me, I’m treated to a kiss that rocks my world. “And, of course I’ll marry you. We don’t have to wait for Florida, Scott. I meant what I said. I’ll get on a plane tomorrow if that’s what it takes to convince you. I want to grow old with you. I want you to believe we’ll have all that and more.”

BA Dillon is a devoted wife and mother of two grown children, and a dedicated middle school teacher. Writing has always been an outlet for Dillon as she believes words are both powerful and magical. Tethered Through Time is Dillon’s debut novel, with two companion novels on the horizon. Dillon also writes a monthly column, “Turn the Page,” for the magazine 85 South, Out and About. As an avid, passionate reader Dillon gets deeply invested in books, especially if they are full of great dialogue between believable characters. She loves music, words, books, and martinis!

4.5 StarsLove Wins. That's something the author put in the acknowledgements this book and I think it fits perfectly with everything this one is about.Two people no matter who they are that love each other deserve the same happiness that everyone else gets even if they are not a traditional couple. Scott and Brandon love each other and just want to have what all their friends around them have. Marriage. A simple things to many, but there are so many more who would love to have it and can't.But recently that changed in real life and I loved seeing it come to life in this story. Although short you see just how much it means to them to be able to have a wedding and legally bind themselves together as they have always wanted.There are plenty of tears throughout so keep your tissues handy, but to me they were all good tears. I loved seeing inside Scotts head and how he thinks about everything going on around him.I did wish to see things occationally from Brandons POV, but overall I truely enjoyed this one!

One: Sign the contract.
Juliette Romero had a debt to pay, a debt that wasn’t even hers. But it was the only way to keep her family safe and all she had to do was sell her body and soul to the devil.
Killian McClary wasn’t called the Scarlet Wolf for nothing. He’d been the head of the McClary Organization since he was fifteen and had built a reputation for being a ruthless son of a bitch when it came to running the city’s underbelly, not to mention merciless when it came to punishing those who betray him. He didn’t believe in weaknesses. Only results. Juliette, with her shy smiles and hot little body was a weakness unlike any other and yet he was powerless to resist one more taste of her sweet flesh.
Two: Become his for a year.
When given the choice between her life or her body, what could Juliette possibly do, but submit to a man whose very name invoked fear in the hearts of others? She just never anticipated falling for his dark, hungry eyes and clever hands, or the way the beast in him made her feel oddly safe and cherished.
But what will happen when Killian’s dark past finally catches up to him and threatens the woman he can no longer imagine himself without? What will happen when both sides find themselves caught in a web of passion, lies and broken promises? Can Juliette tame the wolf or will her love for him devour them both?
Three: Don’t fall in love.
Boundaries will be crossed, loyalties will be tested and lives will be changed forever.

____________________________

Self-proclaimed romance addict, Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she's not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring imaginary friends to play with.

Airicka is the prolific author of over eighteen novels for those who crave strong, female leads, sexy alpha heroes and out of control desires. She's a multi genre author who writes young adult, new adult and adult contemporary and paranormal romance.
For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist--and tons of chocolate--visit her at:

Locked-down at a Los Angeles intervention facility, everyone around Dante Dupont and his Black Ice band mate, Ashton Lane, thought this would fix the issues between them. Dante and Ashton knew differently. What made this a hundred times worse was the fact they were stuck in this room together. They hadn't shared space like this since the one afternoon they both wanted to forget. And, revisiting that nightmare was not an option . . . with or without the help of a therapist.
Two musicians. Same band. Afraid to admit their true feelings, being in close quarters again has them both at their breaking point. They say if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, but neither of them can find a reason to leave, and fighting the fire is becoming more and more difficult to do.
Dante's baggage isn't pretty and his scars run deep, but Ashton might be the one to finally see beyond his past and help him find a way out from the smoke screen he's spent his life hiding behind. In order to get there, though, they'll both have to walk through the flames.

Check out this snip-it:

Dante's big hand touched Ashton's firm thigh and squeezed. A grin lifted one side of his lips. "Oh, I don't know about the kid comment. The parts of you I've seen look all man to me." Dante leaned in and brushed his lips to Ashton's. "Every...last...inch."

This story is also so full of emotion. You'll tear up at the most unexpected times just because these alpha men are just so open and honest with each other. Here, for example....

"You're worth it, Dante, and, I'm not just saying that. You always were. You just needed to believe in yourself."

Here's the series, in order..... You can read them as standalones.... but why do that? Trust me, you will get SO much more out of the stories knowing who everyone is and how they are all connected. It's a beautiful story.....one I can't wait to see on the big screen!!